To help you find the best projector for artists, we researched over 50 different products and targeted our rankings to features that most benefit creators. These features include things like portability, user-friendliness, and image quality. We also researched each projector’s lamp brightness and connectivity options to ensure we presented only the most versatile types of projectors.
After completing our research, we settled on the ViewSonic PX700HD as our top pick for the best projector for artists. It combines HD resolution with SuperColor technology and a 12,000:1 contrast ratio to create stunning, vivid images. It can also create screen sizes up to 300 inches for large-scale presentations. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best projectors on the market today.
Top 9 Projectors for Artists
#1 ViewSonic PX706HD Projector for Artists
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: With full HD resolution on screen sizes up to 300 inches, this projector for artists is the ultimate option in terms of picture quality and versatility. Plus, this option includes a wide color gamut and impressively accurate color presentation.
- Screen size up to 300 inches
- SuperColor technology creates a wider color gamut
- 22,000:1 contrast ratio for deeper blacks
- User interface is a little confusing
- Remote control has separate on/off buttons
The ViewSonic PX706HD is our top pick for a wide variety of reasons. However, there are a few features and functionalities that stand out the most. For starters, this projector offers native full HD resolution, which elevates your art and doubles as an entertainment device for watching movies and playing games. On top of 1080p resolution, you also get deep blacks with a 22,000:1 contrast ratio and a wider color gamut than other options with ViewSonic’s unique SuperColor technology. All of these features combined make for a high-quality projector that displays vivid colors in higher resolution.
When it comes to overall usability, you’ll find the ViewSonic projector for murals hard to beat. It’s easy to get set up, and you can create screen sizes up to 300 total inches, which is a huge plus if you’re working on larger art pieces. This could be a great projector for beginners or for a professional artist who doesn’t want something complicated due to the easy setup and easy interface. It’s not as portable as other projectors with a true portable design, but you can still take it on the go without too much of an inconvenience. The projector can also connect to a wide variety of external devices with HDMI, VGA, USB, Mini USB, and audio ports. The bulb is bright, with 3000 lumens, and offers around 15,000 hours of life before you need to replace it. You’ll also get a remote control with the ViewSonic, and while it’s a little confusing with separate on and off buttons, it works well for its purpose and allows for greater flexibility in making adjustments without having to be right next to the unit. This will work well with the best projector screen that has the vinyl screen material that makes your colors shine in ways you never thought possible.
#2 Epson Home Cinema 1060 Projector for Artists
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This powerful projector for artists is a formidable opponent because of its 1080p resolution, mobile device connectivity, and overall picture quality. It’s also easy to use and set up, with screen sizes up to 300 inches at maximum throw distance.
- Bulb tech eliminates rainbow effects
- MHL port for connecting mobile devices
- Fan runs quietly in Eco Mode
- Not as portable as others
- Mediocre onboard speakers
The Epson Home Cinema 1060 projector for artists has a lot going for it, which is why it’s rated so highly in our evaluation. The biggest winning feature here is the projector’s unique 3LCD lighting technology for the bulb, which eliminates rainbow effects, even during fast-moving action scenes. This also aids the projector in creating a beautiful picture with accurate colors and 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution, also known as full HD. With such a great picture quality, you’ll be able to reproduce your artwork in a stunning manner. Plus, you’ll even be able to use the Epson as a home entertainment solution when you’re not working on your art. Make sure the projector works within your designated space like knowing if you need the best short throw projector or the top long throw model.
The Epson 1060 projector also excels in overall build quality and connectivity. It features two HDMI cable ports, USB-A and USB-B ports, a VGA port, and audio composite ports. One of the HDMI ports is MHL compatible, as well, which means you can connect mobile devices like smartphones and tablets without an extra adapter. And with 3100 lumens of lamp brightness on a bulb that can project up to 300 inches, you’ll have everything you need to create art at any scale. Keep in mind, the Epson is a standard-size projector, which isn’t as portable as mini projectors. So, if you’re planning on carrying this projector with you, you may need to make extra room for it. But you could also consider purchasing the best mini projector.
#3 Bigasuo Projector for Artists
Award: BEST VIDEO SOURCE VERSATILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This projector features a huge number of ways to play video or connect to other sources to display your artwork in large sizes, making it one of the most versatile projectors for artists available today. It’s also extra portable with an included carrying case and tripod.
- Includes tripod and carrying case
- Impressive 5500 lumens of brightness
- Accurate and vivid color reproduction
- 720p resolution
- Fan can be loud after extended use
The Bigasuo projector might come from a company you don’t recognize, but it offers a ton of features that you can’t pass on, especially if you are an artist that needs to be able to project art from different sources or devices. The projector can connect via HDMI, USB, VGA, and SD card. It can also connect to smartphones and tablets with MHL cables. Even more impressive, the Bigasuo includes a DVD player built directly into the body of the projector. With this kind of versatility, you’ll be able to project your art from any device with ease.
This powerful projector doesn’t give you full HD resolution, but it’s about as close as you can get, with 1280 x 720-pixel resolution, also known as 720p. This is still considered high definition, but it isn’t as crisp as 1080p displays. However, the picture quality is still good with the Bigasuo, especially when you consider its 3000:1 contrast ratio and 5500 ANSI lumens of lamp brightness. We were also super impressed by Bigasuo’s overall portability. Your purchase includes a carrying case and tripod, so you can easily use the projector on the go. And if you’re a sportsman, you will also love the best projector for sports that’s helpful if you’re on the go and don’t have a portable external audio system.
#4 AuKing M8-F Projector for Artists
Award: BEST PORTABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: This option is the best portable projector for artists because of its compact and lightweight design, multiple connectivity options, and overall solid performance. Plus, with an extra-long bulb life, you won’t have to worry about changing bulbs on the fly.
- Many input ports for greater connectivity
- Extended, 55,000-hour bulb life
- Can display up to 170 inches of screen size
- Performance is lacking in bright rooms
- Only 480p resolution
The AuKing M8-F is our top pick for the best projector for artists first for its portability. Measuring in at just 7.7 x 6 x 2.7 inches and weighing only 2.8 pounds, this mini portable projector takes up minimal space in your studio and can also be used on the go without needing extra space. It also includes a threaded hole on the bottom of the unit for tripod attachments. It’s also our top pick for its extra-long bulb life, which can keep running for upwards of 55,000 total hours.
We were also impressed with AuKing’s connectivity options. You can plug devices into the projectors using HDMI, USB, VGA, microSD cards, and standard A/V components. With this kind of versatility, you won’t have to worry about having an incompatible device. When it comes to performance, the AuKing performs best in darker rooms with its 2600 lumens of brightness. This mini projector doesn’t feature full HD native resolution, which is its biggest downfall, but for most artistic intents, its 480p resolution is more than enough. The projector also offers bright and accurate colors, plus a solid dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000:1. Gamers will also be interested in the best projector for gaming that offers a stunning 500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for better differentiation between lights and darks.
#5 Epson VS350 XGA Projector for Artists
Award: BEST HUES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This projector provides some of the most accurate and vivid colors you can find in projectors today. That picture quality combined with easy adjustments and top-notch bright room performance makes this product a difficult choice to pass up.
- Manual slider for easier picture correction
- Excellent performance in bright rooms
- More affordable bulb replacements
- Runs hot after extended use
- Less than full HD resolution
The Epson VS350 XGA projector features Epson’s proprietary 3LCD technology, which creates crisper images with incredibly accurate and vivid colors. Plus, 3LCD eliminates pesky rainbow effects, which only serves to improve your artistic endeavors when using this projector. If you worry about inaccurate color reproduction while using a projector, you can put those worries to rest if you purchase this option. We were a little disappointed that you only get XGA resolution at 1024 x 768 pixels instead of full HD, but this doesn’t affect your art projects too much. If you create artwork in a highly lit room, then you need to look at our guide to the best projector for bright rooms.
The Epson is also incredibly easy to use and get set up. With a manual slider for horizontal keystone correction, you can quickly get your picture exactly how it needs to be, without fiddling inside menus and settings. You can also open and close the lens cover with a manual slider, which allows you to quickly check on progress without the overlaid projection image. The bulb outputs 3300 lumens of brightness and performs excellently in well-lit rooms. More impressive, though, is the fact that you can get extremely affordable bulb replacements for the Epson VS350, which is a huge plus for projectors. Compare that to the best 4K projector that features an awesome 1000,000:1 contrast ratio which keeps bright screens clear and dark screens detailed.
#6 Artograph EZ Tracer Projector for Artists
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re looking for a reliable projector for drawing and tracing, you’ve come to the right product. This projector is stable, extremely easy to use, and durable enough to last a long time, making it the quintessential projector for large-scale art projects.
- Intuitive user-friendly design
- Stable on hard and carpeted surfaces
- Durable build lasts a long time
- Bulb not included
- Can only be used in dark rooms
The Artograph EZ Tracer is one of the best opaque art projectors your money can buy today, and it makes for the perfect tool to use with the impressive feature of enlarging images to trace and paint without having to invest in an expensive projector. If you paint on large canvases, you can’t pass up on this projector. It uses its bulb and a series of lenses to enlarge small images and project them onto your wall or canvas. Simply place the opening of the projector (on the bottom of the unit) over the smaller image and turn the projector on. Then, scoot the projector forward or backward to change sizes and twist the knob on the lens to focus the image.
This incredibly user-friendly design makes this one of the most approachable projectors for artists. There’s virtually no learning curve, like most opaque projectors, which means you get to start working right away. It could be one of the leading projectors under $1000. Just be aware that you’ll need to purchase your own bulb and the Artograph EZ Tracer projector can only be used in dark rooms. Fortunately, the unit is stable enough to use on both carpet and hard surfaces. Plus, it’s got an extra-durable design so you know it will last you a long time.
#7 ViewSonic M1+ Projector for Artists
Award: BEST AUDIO
WHY WE LIKE IT: This ultra-portable projector features dual Harman Kardon speakers for immersive audio and video experience, which is great for artists who want an all-in-one package. It also runs on a rechargeable battery so you can take this portable battery anywhere with you.
- Lasts six hours on a single charge
- Integrated stand is stable and adjustable
- Includes USB-C for more connection options
- 480p resolution
- Only supports up to 32GB SD cards
The ViewSonic M1+ is an excellent projector for artists on the go who don’t have or don’t want to bring a ton of extra accessories with them. With built-in, dual Harman Kardon speakers, the M1+ creates an excellent audio experience to go along with the picture or video. This is perfect for artists who want to listen to music while they work on their next digital art project, and it’s also great to have for watching movies when you’re not working on art. The M1+ even includes a rechargeable battery that has a battery life that lasts upwards of six hours before needing a recharge.
This project is also ultra-portable. It’s compact in size and includes an integrated stand with 360-degree rotation so you can get the perfect viewing angle no matter where you are. Unfortunately, it only offers 480p resolution, but this shouldn’t detract from your art too much. At 300 lumens of brightness, the bulb is really only good for darker environments. When it comes to connectivity, you get a USB-C port, which is great for connecting laptops and other mobile devices. However, you’ll also get HDMI, standard USB, and SD card ports. Be aware that you’ll only be able to use SD cards up to 32GB, so plan for that in advance.
#8 Anker Nebula Capsule Projector for Artists
Award: BEST FOR TRAVEL
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re an artist and you travel a lot, you’ll want a projector that you can easily stick in your bags. This projector is the best for you because of its soda can size, onboard speakers, and wireless connectivity options.
- Stable and durable design
- Immersive, 360-degree audio
- Can stream content from built-in apps
- Not compatible with Chromecast
- Resolution isn’t full HD
The Anker Nebula Capsule is a super portable projector that is well suited for traveling artists, mostly due to its form factor. Designed to look like and be of similar size to a soda can, this mini projector can go with you without you ever worrying about it. It’s also durable enough to take a bump or two in your bags, and stable enough to stand still while in use. And with a built-in rechargeable battery, you won’t ever need to find a power source to use it.
The Anker projector also performs well overall when it comes to projection quality and brightness. Of course, you can’t expect this to perform on the same level as larger digital projectors at a higher price range. It doesn’t have full HD resolution and only features 480p resolution. However, it’s packed to the brim with wireless connectivity options and still works well in tighter spaces. You can connect your smart devices to the Anker using screen mirroring functions, but it also has built-in apps that you can use to stream content. If you have physical devices you want to connect, you can do so through the HDMI cable port. The Capsule projector even features decent onboard speakers that create omnidirectional audio for a more immersive experience. In terms of audio, this is one of the best projectors on the market today. That’s why audio is important on a projector, since it will come in for those who are looking for the best outdoor projector too.
#9 Qkk Mini Projector for Artists
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Award: BEST BRIGHTNESS
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re looking for a mini portable projector that doesn’t skimp on the brightness, look no farther than this option. With 5500 lumens of brightness, an ultra-compact design, and dual USB connectivity, this is an excellent choice for artists who work on the go in bright environments.
- 20% brighter bulb than comparable units
- Dual USB connectivity
- Lower fan noise for better audio experience
- Not full HD resolution
- No Bluetooth connectivity
The Qkk is a mini projector for artists that measures in at just 9.4 x 9.2 x 4.3 inches and weighs only three pounds. And while, like other mini projectors, the Qkk sacrifices in some areas – mainly in a lower 800 x 480-pixel resolution – it excels in others. For starters, this small product features an impressively bright, 5500 lumens bulb. This means it can work well in both bright and dark lighting scenarios. And with its 2,000:1 contrast ratio and accurate color representation, you’ll enjoy the picture quality no matter what you’re doing with the projector.
The Qkk includes a variety of connection options, including HDMI, SD card, and VGA ports. However, more impressively, the projector provides dual USB connectivity, so you can use two flash drives simultaneously for even better versatility. Unfortunately, this projector doesn’t feature Bluetooth connectivity, so everything needs to be hardwired. The Qkk’s cooling system and fan also stay quiet, even during extended periods of use, so you can work on your art in peace, which is a nice touch. Finally, this projector includes a tripod stand and remote control, so it’s easier to use in travel situations. iPhone users will also love the best iPhone projector that also includes a sturdy tripod, which you can use to set the projector up virtually anywhere with ease.
How We Decided
As we started to research the different digital art projectors available on the market, we knew we wanted to focus on a few different features and functionalities above all else. We first measured the overall usefulness of each digital projector as it specifically pertained to artists. This is a bit of a softer measurement that came about as a combination of portability, connection versatility, and image quality. We rated options higher if they offered a good combination of each, but awarded more points to lightweight and portable projectors over anything else. Since you need to be able to do your art anywhere, this was a very important feature. We also preferred projectors that gave you the option of connecting any kind of device to display your artwork.
Next, we looked at image quality. Depending on your goal for using a projector, this factor can vary in importance. If you’re looking to use a projector for murals or to enlarge images, then image quality isn’t as important. Image quality becomes more important if you’re looking to display your completed artwork. All in all, though, we rated projectors higher if they offered better image quality. We preferred options with full HD resolution, but still included options with lower resolutions for the reasons listed earlier.
Finally, we considered overall build quality and durability. Artwork can get messy and intense, but that doesn’t mean you should need to worry about your projector at every moment. We gave preference to projectors with included tripods or stands, which increases their stability while in use. We also ranked devices higher if they were built from durable materials. We also considered bulb life in this category. The longer the bulb life, the better.
Best Projector for Artists Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Type of Projector and Application
Before purchasing a new projector, you’ll need to figure out exactly how you want to use it. For example, are you using a projector for tracing? Or, possibly, you want to project your digital artwork in art galleries. There are a variety of different kinds of projectors that will work best for these different situations. For example:- Digital projectors and LED projectors are versatile and really easy to use. These work well for projecting images onto walls. They also double as movie players for entertainment purposes.
- Opaque projectors are used to enlarge images and display them on paper or in large spaces like walls. They enable you to draw a smaller image or outline and then project it onto a wall to create things like murals or large paintings.
- Portability
As you probably know, artists like to work in a variety of different spaces in order to keep their creative juices flowing. As such, it’s important to find a projector that is portable and easy to move around. Some projectors are battery-powered, but most need to be plugged directly into your wall for power. Other portability features to look for include tripods, lightweight bodies, and remote controls. - Brightness
A projector’s lamp brightness is measured in ANSI lumens and determines how well you’ll be able to see the image after the unit is turned on. If you’re working inside, brightness between 2,000 and 3,000 lumens is more than enough. However, if you’re planning on doing any artwork outside with your projector, then you’ll definitely need a higher level of lamp brightness. - Throw Distance
Throw distance refers to the space you need between the projector and the display screen to get a clear picture. There are both short throw and long throw projectors from which to choose. Short throw projectors only need a few includes to create a crisp image, while long-throw options often need 10+ feet to create large images. One way isn’t necessarily better for artists, although short-throw projectors are often more versatile because you don’t need as much space to make them work.
- Resolution and Image Quality
Like TVs and other visual equipment, it’s important to consider how much resolution the option you buy provides. Most artists will only ever need 1080p resolution or full HD at most. However, it’s good to know that there are projectors offering higher 4K resolution. In most cases, though, ultra HD resolution is not necessary for artistic purposes, unless you plan on displaying high-definition video art and want it to project the original image well.
